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Designing Policy Frameworks

Context-appropriate structures for effective adaptation

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No One-Size-Fits-All

Policy frameworks must match governance context. What works for Singapore won't work for sub-Saharan Africa. What a city can implement differs from national government.

The Customization Imperative

Effective frameworks balance comprehensiveness with feasibility. Include critical elements while recognizing capacity constraints. Overly ambitious frameworks that can't be implemented are worse than modest frameworks that actually function.

Start where you are: Assess existing capacity, authority, resources
Build what you can: Prioritize high-impact, feasible components
Iterate and expand: Strengthen framework as capacity grows

Policy Framework Design Studio

Build a context-appropriate adaptation policy framework

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City/Local Level

Key Challenges:
  • ⚠Limited authority
  • ⚠Budget constraints
  • ⚠Immediate pressures
Strategic Strengths:
  • ✓Direct implementation
  • ✓Community proximity
  • ✓Rapid iteration

Select Policy Components

Framework Design Principles

1. Adaptive Management Over Rigid Plans

Climate change is uncertain. Frameworks should enable learning and adjustment—not lock in assumptions. Build in review cycles, monitoring triggers for plan updates, and flexibility to respond to new information. The Dutch Delta Programme reviews every 6 years.

2. Mainstream Adaptation Across Sectors

Standalone "adaptation plans" often gather dust. Integrate climate resilience into existing decision-making: infrastructure planning, budget processes, development approvals. California requires local governments to include adaptation in general plans.

3. Clear Accountability Mechanisms

Who is responsible for what? By when? With what budget? Vague frameworks enable inaction. Specific mandates, designated lead agencies, performance metrics, and reporting requirements create accountability. UK's Climate Change Act mandates National Adaptation Programmes with progress reports to Parliament.

4. Multi-Level Coordination

Climate impacts cross jurisdictions. Frameworks need vertical integration (local to national) and horizontal coordination (across sectors at same level). Bangladesh's cyclone preparedness links national meteorology → district committees → village volunteers.

Common Framework Failures

  • Analysis paralysis: Endless assessment phases, never reaching implementation
  • Unfunded mandates: Requirements without budgets or capacity support
  • Siloed approaches: Separate plans for water, agriculture, health—no integration
  • Elite capture: Frameworks designed by consultants, disconnected from local realities
  • Static blueprints: No mechanism to update as climate knowledge evolves